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THE University of Southern Queensland has added a star player to its world-class team as it strives to provide more people around the world with opportunities for a tertiary education.

USQ can now announce that Shane Watson, an Australian Cricket legend and an Ipswich local, is joining the University as an international ambassador on the day that he rejoins the Australian starting side for the Third Test against South Africa in Perth.

But Shane will have to bring the same determination and drive to USQ that he shows on the cricket pitch as he plans to join the University's 20,000 other external students to undertake a Bachelor of Business degree.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas said Shane would become an integral member of the USQ team, representing the University both in Australia and overseas in countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

"Shane has shown incredible determination, dedication and drive to succeed in his cricket career and these are the same qualities our students need to succeed in their studies," Professor Thomas said.

"He will be a strong ambassador for USQ right around the world, but particularly in the emerging student market in the Subcontinent where Shane enjoys a huge and dedicated following."

Professor Thomas will be making the announcement in India today, where she is the only Australian Vice-Chancellor to be part of a trade delegation with Queensland Premier Campbell Newman.

A key player in Australia's Test, One Day and Twenty20 cricket teams, Shane also spends a large part of each year living in India where he is one of the most popular players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for the Rajasthan Royals.

He said he was excited about the prospect of becoming a USQ student and spending more time in his home state of Queensland, where he has also just signed a three-year contract with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

"Cricket has always been a huge part of my life, but I also have a real passion for learning and education," Shane said.

"I love reading about history and other cultures and am really looking forward to getting back into some regular study.

"For me, flexible learning is crucial because of the amount of time I spend overseas. I need to be able to study anywhere and anytime and USQ can support me in doing that."

As part of his relationship with USQ, Shane will attend events both in Australia and overseas, meeting with potential students and education agents in the Asian region, while also running cricketing workshops for the University.

Shane will also broadcast his education journey with USQ for other students to follow on social media and through regular blogs - both about his cricket and his progress in his studies.